1945-D Jefferson Warnick For Grading Please

Haha, a purposefully generic term for an alkaline-based solution. I use Sodium Sesquicarbonate as the base at 1, 2.5, and sometimes 5% mix. pH is roughly 7.5, 8, and 9 respectively. I've found keeping the pH as close to neutral as possible to be key. You can run it hot or cold on silver alloys, I only do a cold wash on copper alloys which takes a bit longer. This one was done cold. I typically use it as my third option if VC does not perform as expected, or if experience dictates that Alkali should follow Acetone.

Send me a PM, happy to share some write-up for future blog post on mixing and application.

I'm just wrapping up conservation of a 1922 Peace that came out of the same spill - and is also a dramatic conservation. I whacked this one with my shovel which is truly unfortunate. Actually I'm devasted because it is high AU and has a die crack running rim to rim thru neck on Obverse.

I also think this spill was unique - the soil was aerated/loamy. Almost like peat moss.

Thanks for the education! I have to say again, that is an extraordinary restoration. Do you think it would grade straight, or would a TPG detect the cleaning and frown upon it?

You certainly are presistant...which makes the outcome that much more gratifying


I know I would...if I could!
Thanks for the follow-up!
smat

I totally get that. Fond of saying they could probably sniff a ground find coin and tell the date, time of day, and state it was dropped in. But at some point something has to give. All major TPGs have their own restoration/conservation departments. Coin dependent of course but I'll bet ya most output from in-house straights. Its like we all have to play these mob boss' games and pay their juice!

IMO the bottom line is, so what if a coin was conserved/cleaned/reclaimed. Does it have abrasions, darkening around devices, etc... then tag it CLEANED. But if someone brings a DOA coin back to life with no intentions of deceit, without obvious indications of cleaning, and does so with a focus on pure restoration back to originality, then shame on them for seeking out a reason to details.